The Ambani family is one of India’s most influential and wealthiest families, with patriarch Mukesh Ambani at the helm of Reliance Industries. While the family’s corporate empire is well-known, it’s the women in the Ambani circle who often play pivotal yet understated roles in shaping the family’s legacy. From matriarchs like Kokilaben Ambani to new faces such as Shloka Mehta, the women in the Ambani family embody a unique blend of tradition, philanthropy, and modern ambition.
1. Kokilaben Ambani
Kokilaben Ambani, the wife of the late Dhirubhai Ambani, is a figure of great strength and grace in the family. Though she is not directly involved in Reliance Industries’ day-to-day operations, her contribution to the empire’s creation is immeasurable. Often regarded as the guiding force behind Dhirubhai’s success, Kokilaben helped shape the ethos of the Ambani family.
Kokilaben was instrumental in helping her husband navigate the challenges of building a billion-dollar empire. Known for her humility, she once revealed that she learned English to adapt to her changing environment and social circles, despite being educated in a Gujarati-medium school. Today, she holds a significant stake in Reliance and is recognized as one of India’s richest women, with a net worth estimated at Rs 18,000 crore. Her grace and wisdom continue to influence the family’s decisions, even in her later years.
2. Nita Ambani
Nita Ambani, the wife of Mukesh Ambani, has built an empire of her own through her philanthropic work, business ventures, and cultural pursuits. As the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged sections of society, particularly in education, healthcare, and rural development. She also serves as a director at Reliance Industries.
Nita’s passion for arts and culture led her to establish the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, a stunning landmark that showcases India’s artistic heritage. Her other endeavors include owning the Mumbai Indians IPL team and spearheading initiatives for Indian athletes through the India House Pavilion at the Paris Summer Olympics 2024.
Nita’s leadership is widely admired not only in business circles but also in social impact initiatives. She has emerged as one of the most influential women in India, committed to shaping the future through education, sports, and cultural promotion.
3. Purnima Dalal
Purnima Dalal, the mother of Nita Ambani, has largely stayed out of the public eye but continues to play a vital role in her daughter’s life. Hailing from a middle-class Gujarati family, Purnima is known for her simplicity and grace. She is frequently seen accompanying Nita to the Mumbai Indians IPL matches, earning the affectionate nickname “Prayer Aunty” from fans.
Purnima’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Nita, who credits much of her strength and resilience to the values instilled in her by her mother. Despite her low profile, Purnima’s influence in shaping Nita’s character and principles remains undeniable.
4. Mamta Dalal
Mamta Dalal, Nita’s younger sister, is a key figure in the educational landscape of Mumbai. With a deep commitment to education, Mamta serves as an educator at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), a flagship institution founded by Nita Ambani. Mamta is also a member of the school’s management committee, where she plays an active role in shaping educational policies.
In addition to her responsibilities at DAIS, Mamta has worked closely with high-profile families, tutoring children of Bollywood and cricket stars, such as Suhana Khan (daughter of Shah Rukh Khan) and the Tendulkars. Despite her significant contributions, Mamta prefers to stay out of the public eye, allowing her work to speak for itself.
5. Radhika Merchant
Radhika Merchant, the fiancée of Anant Ambani, has emerged as a prominent figure in the business world in her own right. The daughter of Viren and Shaila Merchant, co-founders of Encore Healthcare, Radhika is the managing director of the company and has a keen interest in business strategy. Her net worth is reportedly over Rs 10 crore.
Aside from her business ventures, Radhika is also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, having studied under Guru Bhavana Thakar of Shree Nibha Arts. Her artistic and cultural pursuits reflect the Ambanis’ dedication to nurturing India’s rich heritage. Radhika’s calm yet assertive presence makes her a valuable addition to the family’s expanding influence in both the corporate and cultural spheres.
6. Tina Ambani
Tina Ambani, the wife of Anil Ambani, is perhaps one of the most iconic women associated with the Ambani family. A former Bollywood actress, Tina made her debut in the film Des Pardes (1978) and quickly became one of the leading stars of the 1980s. However, after marrying Anil Ambani, she transitioned from acting to philanthropy, dedicating herself to various social causes.
Tina has been actively involved in healthcare initiatives, particularly through her work with Kokilaben Ambani Hospital. She is also the founder of the Harmony Art Foundation, which promotes the work of talented artists in India. Through her charitable efforts, Tina Ambani has played a key role in supporting healthcare, education, and the arts in India.
7. Isha Ambani
Isha Ambani, the only daughter of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, has already established herself as a leader in the family business. As a non-executive director at Jio Financial Services, Isha plays an integral role in the family’s telecommunications and financial ventures.
Isha’s personal life has also drawn attention, especially her openness about her IVF journey to conceive twins. In a candid interview with Vogue India, Isha spoke about the challenges and the emotional rollercoaster of undergoing fertility treatment, using her platform to normalize conversations around IVF and reproductive health.
8. Shloka Mehta
Shloka Mehta, the wife of Akash Ambani, brings a fresh perspective to the Ambani family. The daughter of businessman Arun Russel Mehta, Shloka is well-educated, having studied Anthropology at Princeton University before completing a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
Shloka is actively involved in philanthropy and business, and she serves as a director at the family-owned Rosy Blue Foundation, a diamond trading company. She and Akash were childhood friends who later fell in love, and their 2019 wedding became one of the most talked-about events in India.
9. Nina Kothari and Deepti Salgaoncar
Nina Kothari, the sister of Mukesh and Anil Ambani, has led a relatively private life. She married Bhadrashyam Kothari and became the chairperson of Kothari Sugars and Chemicals Limited. Nina’s daughter, Nayantara, is married to Shamit Bhartia, the grandson of industrialist K.K. Birla.
Deepti Salgaoncar, the youngest daughter of Dhirubhai and Kokilaben Ambani, is involved in the arts. She serves as the vice-chairperson of Sunaparanta, an art center in Goa. Deepti’s daughter, Isheta Salgaocar, works in corporate development at Salgaocar Corporation Pvt. Ltd. and is married to Atulya Mittal, the founder of Nexzu Mobility.
